The Whitney Throws a Prom Downtown

Last night's chilly autumn weather was deceiving, given the atmosphere inside the Whitney Museum's Studio Party. It was most aptly described by artist and party host Nate Lowman as "kind of like a prom." The three massive disco balls hanging over the ready-made dance floor, which was surrounded by black leather couches and a bar covered in punch-filled crystal bowls, really did feel like fancy high school.

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Adding to the vibe? Questlove DJed a slew of 90s era prom classics (to which we danced with China Chow who revealed a razor-sharp knack for naming that tune). Taking a much needed breather with party host Kalup Linzy—whom you most recently saw collaborating with James Franco on that EP, Turn It Up—we were happy to learn that the soap opera-obsessed art star's in good spirits after his brief hiatus. "I'm getting into a good flow now," said. Does this mean there's more Franco-llaborations to come?

We found artist Ryan McNamara (also a host) grabbing three mini-margerita pizzas as they passed and still looking svelte in a Jil Sander suit. The performance artist told us "I was too busy talking to everyone during the Gala to eat! I was only able to get dessert." Most of the glitzy crowd, however, was less interested in the food than the clothes. Marchesa was the party's fashion sponsor which meant there was a trail of feathers, tulle and sequin wherever you looked—always the sign of a good time.